Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacki Wolverton.
Hi Jacki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
A significant amount of vulnerability and hard lessons have led to where I am now. The Coddiewomple Company, the mental health brand I began, as well as the non-profit The Coddiewomple Fund 501(c)(3) came from my own experience with mental health challenges, internally as well as externally.
The idea for a for-profit company came from the desire to bring tangible and actionable change to an issue that I, as well as many others in the community, have encountered. For the past several years, a big push for the acceptance of mental health has spread, which is amazing but has fallen short of addressing a bigger issue… affordability. Licensed mental health therapy is EXPENSIVE, even with insurance.
Encountering this myself as a college student, as well as a working professional with insurance, the burden was still significant. I had to stop or delay care at times due to high out-of-pocket costs, which is a common problem all residents across Michigan. I found myself coming back to the idea that this needs to be addressed on an immediate level. With an MBA under my belt of service hours with local non-profits, I went to work developing a solution I could put into action.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road to get where I am now, although hindsight is definitely 20/20. I can see how all the different challenges and experiences have led me to where I am now. They have been the building blocks I have needed to pave the way to find my true north (truth). All these experiences have brought my where I need to be.
We’ve been impressed with The Coddiewomple Company & The Coddiewomple Fund, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I launched The Coddiewomple Company as a “for-profit” brand that focuses on bringing awareness and love to all things mental health related. Our focus is on comfortable, cozy clothing pieces with messaging of inclusivity and acceptance, as well as gift items like candles, mugs, etc. The purpose of “The Company” is really two-fold, to continue spreading awareness and acceptance, but also to be a sustainable and consistent funding source for the non-profit “The Coddiewomple Fund.”
The “Fund” serves the community by providing financial assistance for those seeking licensed mental health therapy. Whether an individual needs full session coverage or assistance with co-pays, the mission is to bridge the financial gap. We want to ensure no individual has to sacrifice other basic needs in order to receive care, or more devastatingly, decide not to get care because they cannot afford it. We recognize there is a gap in assistance for those above the poverty level who may also have health insurance, and we want to bridge that gap. We also work with clinics in metro Detroit, so our reach can extend further than those who apply directly for assistance.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality or characteristic that I have always attributed my success to is grit. I would like to believe those who surround me will attest to this, but I simply Just. Keep. Going.
Now, this is not to say that it’s been an easy road because it definitely has not. I also want to note that having this quality has not always served my mental health either. I think it is especially important to note, that this quality I owe my “success” to can also come at a cost. I never want to sugar-coat the challenges I’ve endured to get to this point with Coddiewomple because this company and non-profit are built not only on honesty but on hope. My greatest hope is to support and spearhead changes to end the challenge of getting mental health care and the stigmas that go along with that so no one will feel alone. I truly hope I can reach at least one person who can say “me too.”
But as I continue with this journey and connect with others that can share in this story, I hope we can continue to build this company and focus on our mission to serve the community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coddiewompleco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coddiewompleco/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/coddiewompleco
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/coddiewomplefund/
Image Credits
AKB Photography
